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Russian Hill Estate

Russian Hill Estate, a family owned and operated winery, is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Edward Gomez and Ellen Mack (both are M.D.s) established Russian Hill in 1997 after a two-year intensive search for the appropriate site. It was imperative that the land be capable of producing outstanding estate vineyards but also allow for construction of a winery. Only by having full control of both the vineyard and wine production, did the team at Russian Hill feel they could produce wines of the quality they envisioned. They farm 30 acres of vineyards. There are four Pinot Noirs: Estate, Leras Vineyard, Tara Vineyard, and Meredith Vineyard. The winemaker is Patrick Melley. The wines are sold on the website and through the tasting room which is open daily.

Articles About Russian Hill Estate

Reviewed Wines

2010 Russian Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.58, 2,033 cases, $35. Select
fruit from several small growers to represent the appellation as a whole. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak,
pneumatic punch downs, aged 11 months in 20% new French oak.
·edium reddish-purple color in the glass.
Nicely perfumed with aromas of Bing cherries and Asian 5-spice. Very smooth and plush on the palate with a
deep cherry liquor flavor. Veers to the ripe side with some showy oak at play. Good (+).Reviewed June 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Russian Hill Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.61, 1,262
cases, $40. The winemaker’s favorite lots from the estate. A majority of the fruit for this wine is from Sunny
View Vineyard, located to the southeast of the winery in the Santa Rosa Plain. Planted in 1999 to clones 667,
777 and Pommard with one additional acre later budded over to 828. A small portion is sourced from Tara
Vineyard, clone 115. Aged 16 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of cherry pie glaze, very ripe black raspberries, spice and oak. Supple and plush on the palate,
with flavors of black cherries, cola and subtle herbal oak. The fruit flavors veer to the ripe side. Very Russian
River Valley in character with good intensity, mild fine-grain tannins, and a satisfying cut of acidity on the finish.
Tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine retained its appealing softness, its
most appealing feature, but there is a bit too much oak at play. Good.Reviewed June 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Russian Hill Tara Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc.,
345 cases, $54. This vineyard is adjacent the winery on an easterly facing slope
of the hill and was planted in 1998, later field budded to clone 115. Yields 1.9
tons per acre.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of
dried cherries and oak. Middleweight sensual flavors of black cherries and spice
backed by supple tannins, and offering a soft, smooth and satisfying drinking
experience. Nicely balanced, with well-integrated oak, the flavors trumping the
aromas on this occasion. Still shy on the nose the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+).Reviewed June 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2005 Russian Hill Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $27. Composed of
favorite lots of winemaker Patrick Melley.
·Brooding black cherry scent followed by interesting black
cherry, raisin and nutmeg flavors highlighted with oak . Plenty of fruit intensity and a persistent finish. In essence, a reserve wine only in the sense that it is bigger and more intense
than the next wine (described below) which I preferred.Reviewed May 7, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

2005 Russian Hill Tara Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6%
alc., $37. The Tara Vineyard surrounds the Russian Hill winery and is named
for the stately home that sits on the property.
·Lovely strawberry and Bing
cherry fruit aromas with a hint of cola, herbs and smoke. Very tasty black cherry and black raspberry
core with notable char and grilled meat overtones. The fruit is bright and clean and is framed by gossamer
tannins. A nice acid lift on the finish makes you reach for another sip. About all you can ask for in a
California Pinot.Reviewed May 7, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»